FAQ's

Your questions answered

Q: How much does it cost?

Our weekly fees depend on individual needs and they are based on a comprehensive pre-admission assessment. Fees are quoted as 'gross weekly', which means they are the total you will be asked to pay. The NHS Registered Nursing Care Contribution (also known as Free Nursing Care) will be applied for if relevant and refunded to you if and when awarded.

Q: What is included in the fees?

Our fees include everything required to keep residents comfortable, well cared for and safe:

Private en-suite bedroom

Heating and lighting

Daily main meals, supper and available snacks

Drinks and refreshments

Access to and use of any aids and/or appliances according to individual needs, including hoists, wheelchairs and walking aids

All property taxes levied on the Home, including Council Tax and water rates

Laundry service

Care and support from qualified staff to help with daily living in line with the resident’s agreed plan of care

Use of communal lounges and facilities

Access to and use of communal grounds/gardens

Our weekly fees do not include:

Newspapers and periodicals

Purchase of new clothes and toiletries

Perms, hair colouring and specialist nail/feet treatments

Dry cleaning

Non-NHS health services and treatment by dentists or opticians, including any aids and appliances a resident chooses to purchase privately

Non-prescription medication

Social and travel costs for privately arranged trips

Private telephone costs

Visitors’ meals and overnight accommodation

Q: Do you accept Local Authority rates?

Yes, however Local Authority fees are usually significantly lower than our standard weekly fees and at times in combination with a third party ‘top-up’ payment or if the Local Authority agrees to meet our full fees.

Q: Are we eligible for Free Nursing Care (RNCC)?

Generally, most people entering a nursing home should be eligible. Following admission to the home, and with your consent, we will apply for Free Nursing Care on your behalf. An NHS Assessor may then arrange a visit to make a separate assessment.

Q: Do I need my own money?

Yes, we always advise residents to have a small amount of money available that will cover incidental costs, such as buying toiletries or for trips out.

Q: What happens if our funds run out?

Our usual expectation is that you have sufficient funds available to pay our fees for up to three years. If your funds run out after that, the Local Authority would normally pay for your care at their rates, subject to a financial needs assessment. In this situation we would not expect you to leave the home.

Q: Can we keep our own GP?

Yes, providing your existing GP is relatively local to the home and is prepared to continue looking after you and to visit the home on request. This is something you will need to arrange and inform the home. We also have an exclusive arrangement with a GP practice local to each of our homes, ensuring consistency and quality of care.

Q: Can I take my mother/father/relative out?

Definitely. As long as there are no medical reasons that might prevent this, we always encourage trips out and know how much our residents enjoy a change of scene. All we ask is that you give us advance warning so we can ensure they are properly prepared and that we know roughly when to expect them back.

Q: What are your visiting hours?

We never restrict visiting to specific hours and visitors are welcome at any time. However, visitors should be aware that there are certain times of the day when staff will be particularly busy, such as meal times. Residents are also free to get up or go to bed when it suits them, and they can choose who they want to see. If you are in any doubt of when best to visit, please call the home.

Q: What activities do you provide?

We provide a full and varied activities programme for our residents, typically between 10am and 4pm each day. Activities range from knitting, arts and crafts, bingo and other games to visiting entertainers, pet farms and organised day trips. All residents have the choice of taking part. For those who are less able we provide 1:1 activities such as hand massage or reading. There is a weekly activities planner on display in the home.

Q: Do you provide hairdressing and chiropody?

Yes, at a subsidised fee. The hairdresser visits weekly and the chiropodist six-weekly.

Q: Is there a choice of food and do you cater for special diets?

Yes. Each resident has an individual care plan, which includes food choices and dietary needs. We work closely with the resident – and will also consult with family and friends – to find out their likes and dislikes. Residents can choose from several options at each mealtime. If they don’t like any of the options we will always try to provide a suitable alternative.

We also cater for specific dietary needs, including soft or puréed, diabetic and allergenic, and individual requirements will be established on admission to the home and reviewed as necessary. We work hard to ensure our menus are balanced and nutritious, and meals are produced on site using fresh ingredients every day.

Q: Can we bring our own furniture?

Of course, but please be aware that it may not be possible to accommodate large items of furniture. Residents’ bedrooms are furnished and cover all the basic needs for storage and comfort, but we always encourage residents to bring something of their own to personalise their room and to help them settle in and feel more at home. All soft furnishings must have The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.